Rohit Sharma Hopeful Of Players Remaining Fit Ahead Of ICC World Cup 2023

Indian captain Rohit Sharma talked about the upcoming third ODI against Australia on Wednesday (27th September). He said that the dead rubber match in Rajkot will allow them to test certain areas before going into the ICC World Cup 2023.

India will be playing their last game before the World Cup against Australia. They have clinched the series by winning the first two games and the third game will be an opportunity for them to rectify all the areas of concern and head into the tournament will boxes ticked.

Rohit Sharma was rested for the first two games and will be back for the last game along with Virat Kohli. The two matches were near perfect for the Indian team as they ticked almost every box right. However, for the last game, they will be without the services of key players.

The likes of Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Shami didn’t travel with the team to Rajkot. It is assumed that apart from Pandya, others might have been rested due to workload management. The all-rounder didn’t play the first two games and was expected to be part of the last game. However, he’s likely the one who’s sick.

Rohit Sharma highlighted the importance of looking after the players as the World Cup is around. He also expressed his delight with the way the team performed in the last two games. Speaking during the press conference, he explained:

“We have time till 28 to finalise the World Cup squad. Keeping my fingers crossed that there is no injury and everyone remains in good form and health. But in the next few weeks, it’s very important to look after the players and their well-being.

“So, it’s good for them to be at home and return afresh for the World Cup. I wasn’t part of the last two games but we achieved quite a bit. Chased well, batted well and bowled well too. Tomorrow’s game allows us to test in certain areas… whether we can be consistent.”

We have achieved quite a bit with regard to preparations – Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma further admitted that the Asia Cup 2023 and the series against Australia helped them to achieve things with regard to preparations. He added that their goal is not on the whitewash against Australia as they are focused on World Cups. He elaborated:

“We have challenged our team by putting it in difficult situations during the Asia Cup and Australia ODIs. We have achieved quite a bit with regard to preparations. There is a bigger goal and picture in mind. Focusing on that will be crucial at the moment, not the whitewash. As players, we want to play good cricket.”

Rohit Sharma is expected to open the innings also Ishan Kishan in the last game. He would be hoping to get some runs under his belt before heading into the ICC World Cup 2023.